Rules and Regulations for the Exhibition of Dogs in the UK (EN)
Kennel Club regulations for the preparation of dogs for exhibition in the UK (Regulations as published by the Kennel Club in the Year Book 2006/2007)
It is the exhibitors’ responsibility to make themselves aware of the Rules and Regulations that appear in the show schedule. In particular, they should be aware that:
No substance which alters the natural colour, texture or body of the coat may be present in the dog's coat for any purpose at any time during the show.
Any other substance (other than water) which may be used in the preparation of a dog for exhibition must not be allowed to remain in the coat or on any other part of the dog at the time of exhibition.
No act or operation which alters the natural conformation of a dog or any part thereof may be performed except:
a) Operations certified to the satisfaction of the General Committee of the Kennel Club
b) The removal of dew claws of any breed
c) The shortening of tails of customarily docked breeds but only up to an acceptable age limit which shall be prescribed from time to time
d) Operations to prevent breeding provided that such operations are notified to the Kennel Club before neutered dogs are shown.
Nor must anything be done calculated in the opinion of the General Committee to deceive:
The General Committee of the Kennel Club without previous notice, may order an examination of any dog or dogs at any show. Any examination thus ordered will be made by a person having executive authority who shall have a written directive from the Kennel Club in their possession. Samples may be taken for further examination and analysis.
An individual has the right to lodge an objection to a dog only if he/she is the owner or handler of a dog competing in the same breed or class. An objection may, however, be lodged by an official of the show or by
anyone so deputed by the Kennel Club.
Rules and regulations for the exhibition of dogs in the UK
A - 1) Dogs must be present on their benches at all times except:
• when being judged
• when being prepared for exhibition and/or being exercised
2) Dogs may be removed from their benches by order of the Veterinary Surgeon, Veterinary Practitioner or Show Management
B - Preparation of exhibits should generally take place on benches or in the area provided by the Show Society.
C - Except when securely benched or caged, all dogs must be on a lead for the duration of the show (including in the exercising area), except when competing in the ring in an Obedience Class or Agility Test, or taking part in a demonstration.
D - Cages, grooming tables and trolleys are not allowed at the ringside.
E - Obstruction of the gangways/walkways is prohibited.
F- No dog shall be allowed in a judging ring other than actual exhibits in the class being judged.
G - Printed awards may not be displayed in the ring except when judging is taking place for Groups and Best in Show. Nothing may be carried, worn or displayed by a handler or a dog in the ring which is capable of indicating the identity of the exhibit, owner or company which might be sponsoring that handler or dog. Nor must anything be said or any action be taken which identifies the exhibit other than by exhibit number.
H - The attracting of the attention of exhibits by any method from outside the ring is prohibited.
I - Every exhibitor must ensure that whilst the dog is being exhibited, its handler shall display the correct ring number.
Class definitions are included in the show schedule and exhibitors should make themselves aware for which class their dog is eligible.
Champions from a country with which the Kennel Club has a reciprocal agreement are eligible to enter the following:
Open Class
AV Champion Class (Stakes)
Age restricted Class (Special Puppy, Special Junior and Yearling)
Junior Champions are not recognised by the Kennel Club and therefore, when entering please do not put ‘Ch’ before the dog’s name.
Overseas wins:
A five point Green Star or above is equivalent to winning a Challenge Certificate in the UK and should be counted as such.
A CACIB is equivalent to winning a Challenge Certificate in the UK and should be counted as such.
A CAC is equivalent to winning a Challenge Certificate in the UK and should be counted as such.
Any points won that count towards the title of Champion, under the rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club must be included when deciding class eligibility. For example,
under the American Kennel Club system, three point and five point major wins are equivalent to a Challenge Certificate.
Dogs in Vehicles
Appropriate action will be taken immediately in the event of dogs being left in vehicles and found to be in a distressed condition.